In a bold move to strengthen accessibility and ensure inclusivity across Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has rolled out a new and improved wheelchair service designed to give passengers with disabilities, the elderly, and travellers requiring mobility support a smoother and more dignified travel experience.
The development was announced on Monday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, who described the initiative as part of the Authority’s renewed commitment to place passengers’ comfort, safety, and dignity at the heart of its service delivery.
According to Mrs. Orah, the service has been structured to cover the entire passenger journey — from check-in counters to boarding gates, and from disembarkation to arrival halls. Travellers in need of mobility support can now request wheelchair assistance at various points, either through their airlines before flying or at the special assistance desks strategically located at airports nationwide.
“What we are doing goes beyond just providing wheelchairs,” Mrs. Orah explained. “It is about ensuring that passengers with disabilities and the elderly are not left behind in our aviation transformation agenda. We want them to travel with ease, confidence, and respect, knowing that their needs are prioritized every step of the way.”
Trained Staff, Priority Access, and Accessible Facilities
FAAN disclosed that the service will be complemented by specially trained staff who will guide and assist passengers requiring support. To further enhance convenience, passengers under this category will enjoy priority during security checks, boarding procedures, and other airport processes, eliminating unnecessary delays or stress.
Additionally, FAAN has invested in accessible facilities such as elevators, ramps, and restrooms across terminals, making airports friendlier to persons with reduced mobility. This aligns with global aviation standards and Nigeria’s own disability rights law, which mandates the removal of barriers that hinder free movement and equal participation.
A Step Towards Inclusive Aviation
This initiative is being widely hailed as a step in the right direction, particularly at a time when stakeholders have been calling for more disability-inclusive infrastructure across Nigeria. Advocacy groups for persons with disabilities have long emphasized that air travel can often be daunting and exclusionary, but FAAN’s action now signals a deliberate effort to close that gap.
The Authority is encouraging passengers to notify their airlines ahead of travel for faster processing, while also assuring that last-minute requests will be attended to promptly at airports.
By prioritizing accessibility, FAAN is not only easing mobility for persons with disabilities and the elderly but also setting a standard for inclusive service delivery across the nation’s transport industry.
With this new initiative, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries embracing disability-friendly reforms in air travel, ensuring that no traveller is left behind, regardless of age or ability.
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